Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason that no provision has been made in either the Immigration and Residence Bill or the Criminal Law (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill for residency permits for victims of human trafficking in view of the fact that the threat of deportation is widely recognised as being a key impediment to trafficking victims coming forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36831/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Scheme of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, which I published recently, makes provision for a new and integrated framework for the effective management of migration to the State. An integral part of that framework will be the ability to make and publish statements of the Government's immigration policy in relation to any aspect of immigration including, where necessary, victims of human trafficking. In the context of the proposed legislation, it will be possible for a suitable immigration policy statement to address all of the issues concerning the treatment of victims of human trafficking in an appropriate manner.

The Criminal Law (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill provides only for criminal law issues. Issues relating to deportation and residency matters are relevant to the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill.